Vending System and Method

Abstract

A method of dispensing an age-restricted item from a vending machine at a first location is presented. The method includes receiving age documentation from a purchaser at a second location remote from the first location. The age of the purchaser is verified at the second location based on the received age documentation and direct visual inspection of the purchaser. Upon verification, a signal is sent from the second location to the vending machine that allows dispensing of the item. From the second location, it is visually verified that the purchaser receives the item from the vending machine at the first location.

1 . A method of dispensing an age-restricted item from a vending machine at a first location, the method comprising:
 at a second location remote from the first location, receiving age documentation from a purchaser;   verifying, at the second location, an age of the purchaser based on the received age documentation and direct visual inspection of the purchaser;   upon verification, sending a signal from the second location to the vending machine that allows dispensing of the item; and   verifying, by direct visual contact from the second location, that the purchaser receives the item from the vending machine at the first location.   
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising, prior to sending of the signal, purchasing of the item by the purchaser at the second location. 
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein sending the signal includes sending the signal via a wireless interface. 
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein there is a first controller at the second location, wherein the method includes controlling the first controller to send the signal to the vending machine. 
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the first controller further includes a locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized use of the first controller, wherein the method further includes unlocking the locking mechanism prior to sending the signal. 
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 4 , further comprising restricting sending the signal from the second location to the vending machine to a predetermined time of operation. 
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein a second controller controls the first controller so as to restrict sending of the signal to a predetermined time of operation. 
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 6 , further comprising setting the predetermined time at the second controller. 
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein only an authorized operator can set the predetermined time at the second controller. 
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the item is at least one of alcohol, beer, medication and cigarettes. 
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein verifying further includes determination that the purchaser is not intoxicated. 
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising restricting dispensing of said item to a predetermined time of operation. 
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein restricting dispensing of said item to the predetermined time of operation includes using a timing device. 
   
   
       14 . A system for dispensing an item, the system comprising:
 a vending machine including a dispenser for dispensing said item; and   a first controller for restricting dispensing of said item to a predetermined time of operation.   
   
   
       15 . The system according to  claim 14 , wherein the item is at least one of an age-restricted item, alcohol, beer, medication and cigarettes. 
   
   
       16 . The system according to  claim 14 , wherein the first controller includes an operator interface for adjusting the predetermined time of operation. 
   
   
       17 . The system according to  claim 16 , further comprising a locking mechanism for preventing unauthorized adjustment of the predetermined time of operation. 
   
   
       18 . The system according to  claim 17 , wherein the locking mechanism includes password verification. 
   
   
       19 . The system according to  claim 14 , wherein the first controller is located within the vending machine. 
   
   
       20 . The system according to  claim 14 , further comprising:
 a second controller for positioning at a location remote from the vending machine, the second controller including an operator interface for sending a signal to the vending machine that controls, at least in part, dispensing of the item.   
   
   
       21 . The system according to  claim 20 , wherein the second controller is operatively coupled to the vending machine via at least one of a wireless and wired interface. 
   
   
       22 . The system according to  claim 20 , wherein the second controller includes a locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized use. 
   
   
       23 . The system according to  claim 20 , wherein the first controller prevents the second controller from sending a signal that allows dispensing of the item. 
   
   
       24 . The system according to  claim 23 , wherein the first controller is located at the location remote from the vending machine.